Ink Storage Portion Segmentation for Ejection Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of an ink jet recording apparatus with a recording head integrated into an ink storage portion formed from a thermoplastic resin composition containing a filler material leads to reduced ejection accuracy of aqueous ink containing pigments, especially when the recording head is driven at high frequency.
Innovation Solution
The ink jet recording method involves using an ink jet recording apparatus with an ink storage portion divided into three or more independent storage parts arrayed in a predetermined direction, where the yellow ink containing C.I. Pigment Yellow 74 is stored in the innermost storage part, thereby maintaining the strength of the recording unit and reducing the degradation of ejection characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the ink storage portion is formed from a thermoplastic resin composition containing a filler material to reduce linear expansion coefficient and improve strength, then the strength and deformation resistance are improved, but the ejection accuracy of aqueous ink containing pigment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ink storage portion is divided into multiple storage parts (first storage part, second storage part, third storage part) separated by partition walls. This segmentation allows different inks to be stored in separate compartments, preventing contamination and allowing optimized material selection for each section. The first storage part uses thermoplastic resin with filler for strength, while the third storage part uses thermoplastic resin without filler for better ejection accuracy with pigment inks.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the ink storage portion are made from materials with different properties. The first and second storage parts use thermoplastic resin composition containing filler material for high strength and low linear expansion, while the third storage part uses thermoplastic resin without filler to maintain good ejection accuracy for pigment inks. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between overall strength and local ejection precision.
2Productivity
If the recording head is driven at high frequency to improve productivity, then the recording speed is improved, but the ejection accuracy is reduced due to degradation of ejection characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the storage of yellow ink (containing C.I. Pigment Yellow 74) into its own dedicated third storage part, the system prevents ink leakage and contamination that would occur during high-frequency operation. This isolation maintains stable ejection characteristics even when the recording head operates at high frequencies, thus preserving ejection accuracy while allowing improved productivity.
3Volume of moving object
If the recording unit is downsized by integrating ink storage portion and recording head to reduce apparatus size, then the compactness is improved, but the reliability is reduced due to deformation and cracking under external pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The ink storage portion is constructed from composite materials - specifically, thermoplastic resin compositions. The first and second storage parts use thermoplastic resin containing filler material (such as glass fiber or mineral filler) to enhance strength and reduce linear expansion coefficient, while the third storage part uses thermoplastic resin without filler for better chemical compatibility with pigment inks. This composite material approach allows compact integration while maintaining reliability under external pressure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively suppresses the reduction in ejection accuracy and maintains excellent color developability of images, even when the apparatus is downsized and used with aqueous ink containing pigments.
Implementation Method 1
a recording head having formed therein an ejection orifice configured to eject the aqueous ink supplied from the ink storage portion by an action of thermal energy
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an ink jet recording method with which, even when a downsized recording apparatus having mounted thereon a recording unit in which a recording head for ejecting an ink by thermal energy is incorporated into an ink storage portion is used and an aqueous ink containing a pigment is used, while the strength of the recording unit is maintained, an ejection characteristic is less liable to be degraded and an image excellent in color developability can be recorded. The ink jet recording method includes recording an image through use of an ink jet recording apparatus including an aqueous ink, an ink storage portion, and a recording head. The ink storage portion includes three or more storage parts divided independently, and the storage parts are arrayed in one predetermined direction. A yellow ink containing C.I. Pigment Yellow 74 is stored in the storage part arranged on an inner side.